Ask Tom

Fried Pickles

In a city loaded with diverse restaurants, from New American chic and upscale Italian to sandwich shops and burritos on the run, finding the best places to eat can be a real puzzle. Where's the best restaurant for a first date or an anniversary? Father's Day? What's the best burger joint? Who has the best service?

Ask Tom. Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic, is on hand Wednesdays at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions, listen to your suggestions and even entertain your complaints about Washington dining. Sietsema, a veteran food writer, has sampled the wares and worked as a critic in Washington, Seattle, San Francisco and Milwaukee, and can talk restaurants with the best of 'em. You can access his Postcards from Tom to read his recommendations for other cities, read his dining column and the Weekly Dish or read transcripts of previous "Ask Tom" chats. Tom's Sunday magazine reviews, as well as his "Ask Tom" column, are available early on the Web.

The transcript follows.

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Tom Sietsema: Happy Hump Day, everyone! I love Wednesdays.

I was happy to hear this week from Alan Popovsky, the owner of Felix in Adams Morgan, who wanted to remind me -- and you! -- that he's "still kicking" over there. In light of all the super-casual spots that surround his restaurant, he says he hopes to attract patrons who enjoy "dining" rather than snacking on the run. As such, he's put together a three-course dinner menu for a mere $23. Here's further incentive:

Flank Steak or Crab Cake Entree add $4

MONDAY - THURSDAY 5PM UNTIL 10PM

Grilled Flatbread Pizza with parmesan cheese, tomato sauce

& artichoke hearts

Fresh Crab and Artichoke dip with parmesan topping

Shrimp Enchiladas with cilantro and tomato salsa

Vegetable & Meat Spring Rolls crisp Julianne of vegetables in a

flash-fried wrapper with savory ground beef and a soy dipping sauce

Trio of Mini Burgers with brie and American cheese with French fries

Fried Calamari with red and green sauces

Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Satay with peanut sauce

Caesar Salad cut romaine, tangy dressing, parmesan cheese & croutons

SECOND COURSE

Manhattan Diner Style Meatloaf with apples, carrots, celery &

A zesty tomato sauce with mash potatoes and green beans

Seafood Linguine with chunks of salmon, shrimp and crabmeat

in a sweet garlic red sauce

Vegetarian Mixed Grill zucchini, asparagus, oven roasted potato salad

green beans and eggplant ragout

Grilled Salmon Filet with mashed potatoes, sauteed asparagus

and grilled lemon

Winter Beef Stew with fingerling potatoes, carrots & white rice

COURSE 3

Flourless Chocolate Cake with whipped cream and chocolate sauce

Skewered Seasonal Fruit with warm chocolate sauce

Remember the noise pollution I wrote about in last week's dining column that mentioned Buzz bakery, which has a play area for pint-sized diners? Well, its owner tells me the problem has been muted. Here's his missive:

"On the issue of the noise generated by kids, we've done a couple of things since we spoke a few weeks ago -- we've put up a sign in the play area (text below), and we've removed all of the metal toys, which were being clanged, banged, shaken, and everything in between. The decibel count has gone way down already, but we are also training our managers for tactful interventions when absolutely necessary."

Sincerely,

Michael Babin

Sign text at Buzz: We hope this play area makes coming to Buzz a little more fun for our youngest patrons. Please help keep the toys on the carpeted area and, for their safety and in consideration of our other guests, please be sure your child is attended at all times. Thank you!

Let's roll ...

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Tom,

always love your chats and can usually use your advice to others as a guide, but I'm stumped on this one. I'm taking my husband to CityZen as a surprise for his upcoming 50th, which includes overnighting at the hotel, so I'll have to pack for him. What is the dress at our fair city's highest dining spots? Do people still dress up up for dinner? Or will we be pegged as out of town rubes in fancy clothes? Also, the whole surprise starts the evening before at Makoto -- I believe a gentlemen is appropriately dressed there in a sport jacket, but let me know if I'm off. Thanks (and I'm pretty sure he doesn't read your chats).

Tom Sietsema: I've seen people in all manner of attire at both restaurants. But to be fair to the establishments, which are trying to provide their guests with a nice experience, and to fellow guests, some of whom have saved up for a special night away from home, I think it's fitting and proper to at least wear a jacket (if you're male, and especially at Cityzen, which has a suggested dress code if I recall correctly).

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Tom, adore your chats - as a restaurant employee, it's helpful to read such open discussion about service expectations! Anyway, submitting early since I'll be giving blood at 11 - where's your favorite SATURDAY brunch spot? I'm planning a nice brunch for two to -belatedly] celebrate Valentine's Day, but we both work Sundays so I think a lot of your usual picks are unavailable. A DC spot is preferred, but we're flexible on both location and cuisine - could you perhaps make one traditional and one "out of the ordinary" recommendation? Also, we'd prefer to avoid big hotel buffets, unless there's one that's truly spectacular. Thanks so much in advance!

Tom Sietsema: The places I find myself brunching most often are -- no surprise to regular chatters here -- the Tabard Inn in Dupont Circle (for something traditional) and Zaytinya in Penn Quarter (for something less so).

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Old Town, Va.: Hi Tom!!! My husband and I are traveling to Los Angeles next weekend for a wedding. My best friend, who recently split from her husband, also happens to live there. We are wanting to take her out for a delicious dinner on Friday evening - and we are looking for a place that will completely lift her spirits! This is an exciting night for us too, as we have a babysitter coming to the hotel to watch our five month old son! We all know that doesn't happen often. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you can provide! (P.S. we are staying in the Hollywood area, so something semi close would be perfect) Cheers.

Tom Sietsema: You're in luck! I was in La La Land late last month. If cozy-snug-seasonal is your thing, consider Hatfield's on Beverly Boulevard (323-935-2977).

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Washington, Va.: Hi Tom,

What's going on with the Inn at Little Washington? There have been rumors flying around here about a change in ownership (to Marriott Corp.) and/or a change in who will be in kitchen. Since this is one of your top-rated restaurants, it would be nice to know if things are going to change soon.

Tom Sietsema: Will that "Marriott has purchased the Inn" rumor ever die? Let me be the first to put a stake through its heart.

The news is this: Chef Patrick O'Connell recently bought out his former business partner's interest in the fabled property and is now the sole proprietor. I expect only good things to come of the deal (and O'Connell has a superlative staff of veterans to back up and follow through on future decisions).

Next!

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Dress Code, CityZen: No denim, sneakers and sports-related attire please.

We always feel comfortable there with "business casual" category wear.

Tom Sietsema: Some people think that's elitist. I call it "showing respect."

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Olney, Md.: Well, you've gone and done it, Tom. By writing about the already crowded, no-reservation Iron Bridge Wine Company in Columbia -- my favorite place -- it's going to be even more impossible to get in there! I got there at 4:45 pm on Saturday night, and the parking lot was already packed! We love to see you review things in Montgomery/Howard County, but wish this one never made it to print! Seriously, it's a great place to eat, with a great owner who knows how to treat people well, and the vibe is always a happy one. I hope they re-think the no reservation policy now...or open another one in Olney where I live!

Tom Sietsema: Sorry, but I'm not paid to keep (restaurant) secrets.

Good news: The owners of Iron Bridge plan to open more wine bars -- in Virginia, I'm informed. Stay tuned.

washingtonpost.com: Review of Iron Bridge Wine Co.

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Rockville, Md.: Just a quick thanks. Was in Vegas last week for a conference. Looked up your Postcards online. Went to dinner at Bouchon in the Venetian. One of the best meals I have had in quite a long time. Having a greater waiter did not hurt either. Going to Chicago in August, any new Postcards coming from there?

Tom Sietsema: Glad to hear Bouchon is still worthy!

I'm spending a few days in Chicago, early in March, so you might want to ask me what's good thereafter (say, on or after the March 14 chat).

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Anonymous: Rasika--shocking service but great food last night. here is the story--tell me how you would have reacted. three women (2 over 40, 1 in her 30s if that matters) have reservations to celebrate a job change. when the waiter comes for a drink order, one of us says shed like the ginger-something martini. the waiter says oh not that isn't a drink for women, may I suggest you look at our sparkling drinks and points to the menu. my friend feels compelled to explain she wants to compare their version of the martini to one she enjoyed in California. the waiter persists, prompting me to say "getting off on the wrong foot here with a table where women will be paying the bill and your tip." he then puts his hands on my shoulders while telling the other women that he meant no offense but will avoid talking to me and that what he meant was that the drinks are made strong for men and to the tastes of the Indian men "who are our customers." she kept to her order as did the other woman and when i was asked if id like a drink i very coldly said no--which finally seemed to register with him. for most of the dinner a man who appeared to be a manager and another waiter served us, though the clod returned by the end to present the check--nearly a 200 bill since wed have wine and many courses. i reached for the bill-to his horror-and tipped 20 bucks mostly for the great food effort and for the busboys. i was shocked any spot could afford to have a waiter like that on staff let alone a place as nice as that and one in a network of great local dining spots. your thoughts?

Tom Sietsema: Yikes! This doesn't sound like the Rasika I know and like (a lot) -- but then, I'm male. Has any other female guest encountered this problem?

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Washington, D.C.: What's the best Thai place in NW?

My mother is coming to town, but we won't have a car so we're likely to be staying around NW.

Tom Sietsema: NW is a pretty big chunk of real estate! The Thai restaurants I'm inclined to go to are Regent Thai on 18th St. and Rice on 14th St.

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North Bethesda, Md.:"Legendary" is the word always used to describe Ralph Fredericks, long the maitre d' at Coeur de Leon and then, for a short time, with Famoso. Any idea about where he has gone?

Tom Sietsema: There was a Ralph sighting at Stoney's (the new one, on P St. NW) recently. But I have no info on where he might next pop up.

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New Restaurant?: Hi Tom:

Love your chats! As I was slipping and sliding to work this morning I noticed a public notice of an application for a liquor license in an empty space at the corner of 11th and NY Avenue NW....L' something or another. What is this new restaurant (type of cuisine? chef?) and when will it open? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Are you thinking of Il Mulino, the forthcoming Italian import from New York, which is scheduled to launch at 1110 Vermont Ave. NW?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom, love your chats and your wonderful reviews! I was wondering, I know you are generally against going out to dinner on Valentine's Day...so what are YOU planning on doing for dinner next Wednesday?

Tom Sietsema: I'll be celebrating the holiday at 30,000 feet for at least eight hours. (I'm off to Argentina next Wednesday. And yes, you can expect a postcard sometime this spring.)

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Washington, D.C.: Tom, I know I'm a couple of weeks late with this, but I have another food-related phrase that sets my teeth on edge: "to die for." Would you really be willing to die for, or let's say, a piece of flourless chocolate cake? I think not.

Tom Sietsema: Not being a chocolate lover, and bored to tears with the many molten chocolate cakes out there, I fully support a ban on the phrase myself!

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waiter crush: hi tom! this is a little off topic, but i was wondering if you or

the 'nuts might have any insight. I've got a fun little crush on

a waiter at my favorite neighborhood spot. i was thinking

about leaving my number when the bill comes, but that

seems so cliche...should i find out if he's got a girlfriend

from on of the waitresses? or should i just bite my tongue

and reduce the risk of being shamed out of my favorite spot?

Tom Sietsema: Life is short. Take the plunge and leave the guy a note. If he doesn't follow up on the offer, though, drop the matter. (And don't stalk, even if you really, really, really like him!)

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom! I was visiting family in Oklahoma last week and discovered fried pickles. Sounds gross, but I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful they are...especially when you dip them in ranch dressing! Any idea where I can find them around here?

Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: Fried pickles. Mmmmmmm. (Now read that back with a Homer Simpson voice for the full effect.)

Del Merei Grille in Alexandria has just the snack you crave.

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Rasika: Wow, when I was at Rasika, I was with two other women, and our waitress was phenomenal. She was always available and knew exactly what to recommend. The noise in that place however, is awful, we were hoarse and haven't been back since.

Tom Sietsema: Yep, noise continues to be a problem there.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Tom...Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that made you sick?

Tom Sietsema: Yes. And I remember exactly what made me sick: Oysters Rockefeller -- in 1986 -- served at a popular restaurant i Old Town. At first, I thought I was going to die. Later, I wish I WAS dead. It was pretty bad. TMI, I know, but ...

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re:fried pickles: Famous Daves also has fried pickles, in several area locations.

Tom Sietsema: Thanks for chiming in.

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Oakton, Va.: Tom,

Just for fun, can you give us a mini-review next week of the airplane food and service?

Tom Sietsema: Sure!

I remember last year around this time, flying to Paris on an upgrade, and opening my menu to find entrees prepared a la Bob Kinkead. What I had was very much in the spirit of his restaurant, too, a nice surprise.

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Re Felix dinner menu: Please tell Alan Popovsky that I would be happy to come and try out his dinner menu if he had a better vegetarian dish. Grilled vegetables just doesn't cut it, and isn't very imaginative (and has NO protein). The first course has some nice options, however!

Tom Sietsema: Alan, you got that?

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Washington, D.C.: If you're in DC, Acadiana has fried pickles. And some of the best biscuits I've ever had, plus a great cocktail of Pims and ginger ale with cucumber garnish.

Tom Sietsema: In journalism we like to say that "three makes a trend."

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Rasika : but the gin and ginger is a wonderful antidote to the noise ...

Tom Sietsema: With an emphasis on the gin, yes.

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Aussie food?: Dear Tom,

I need your help urgently! I am 40+ weeks pregnant, and my husband and I just realized that we have so far exposed our unborn baby to cuisines from every inhabited continent except one: Australia. Could you recommend a local restaurant that serves Australian fare? And that so-called Australian chain restaurant is out(back)of the question! Any suggestion for a restaurant in the area that I may be able to visit before our baby's birth will be much appreciated. Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: You'll have to drive to Easton, home to the lovely Inn at Easton, but the journey is worth it. And there you will find bay bugs, kangaroo, sticky fig pudding and a stellar Australian wine list.

washingtonpost.com: Review of the Inn at Easton.

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Capitol Hill, D.C.: Tom,

Just wanted to share a story of incredible service and hospitality. Four of us went to dinner at Central on Friday night. We had reservations for 9 pm and arrived about 10 minutes early. Checked in with the hostess and were told it would be about 15-20 minutes. No problem. A couple of spots opened up at the bar so we had a round of drinks (I had the mojito which was spectacular) and caught up. At about 9:20 we noticed the time and I went back to the hostess to just check in, really so we could decide whether to have another round and maybe order an appetizer at the bar b/c we were starving (though I didn't tell her all that). Someone who I assume was the manager was also there and he bought us another round of drinks and even brought us a basket of those delicious gruyeres. The wait wasn't even that long as we had barely finished the gruyeres by the time our table was ready. They went above and beyond the call as we were fine just hanging out at the bar and we only ended up waiting another 10 minutes or so. I probably would have returned to Central because the food was tremendous and I saw about 10 things other than the 72 hour ribs that I want to try, but that's how you create customers for life. Thanks.

Tom Sietsema: Details, it's ALL in the details. Sounds as if Central is off to a delicious start.

washingtonpost.com: Review of Central Michel Richard.

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Washington, D.C. -- Ethiopian Food: So what do you think... Zed's as the place to go or is there somewhere tastier???

Thank you!

Tom Sietsema: Zed's is not among the city's better Ethiopian restaurants. To me, it's rather Americanized. Try instead Etete or Dukem.

washingtonpost.com: Reviews of Dukem and Etete.

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Bunny, PIX: Dear Tom: Please don't listen to the readers whining about the picture of the rabbit dish in your review of Bebo. I for one have eaten rabbit at various French and Italian restaurants and was pleased to see your review of the rabbit with artichoke dish at Bebo. As for the fact that rabbits are some peoples' pets, so what? When I was a kid, my family raised chickens, but we also ate them and have not needed years of therapy to recover from any trauma. Please keep eating with an open mind.

Tom Sietsema: I will! I promise!

I think a lot of gastronauts objected to my response to the rabbit owners, which might have sounded as if I wouldn't be writing further about rabbits (or other, uh, pet dishes). Not true. All I meant to say was that I probably wouldn't run a PICTURE of such a critter for at least a few months or so.

washingtonpost.com: Ask Tom on Rabbit.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Tom, I've always enjoyed your column and chats and now seek your advice. Where should a group of friends and I go for a pre-dancing birthday dinner in the U Street corridor area this Saturday? Tabaq Bistro, Cafe St. Ex, Rice, Al Crostino, or elsewhere? Thanks!

Tom Sietsema: I get too many complaints about Tabaq these days for me to give it a green light. And Rice, delicious as it is, is darn noisy at prime time. I took a fellow food critic to Cafe St.-Ex not long ago ("Let's not do anything where we have to eat a lot," he pleaded) and we had the best time. A great waitress and a cozy corner table made for a really enjoyable evening.

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Rasika: Regarding the three ladies at Rasika receiving unsolicited guidance from their waiter - As a waiter, part of doing your job successfully involves being able to "read" your guests, and hopefully guiding them towards dishes you think they'd like, and steering them away from others. All of this should be done in a subtle way, of course. And as a waiter, I know that sometimes my read can be off. Here's an example similar to the ladies at Rasika. At the high end cocktail lounge I worked at, a woman ordered a drink that is excessively strong, though with a more playful name. She asked my opinion, so I let her know it was too strong for my taste - and I thought the name of the drink was deceiving. She ordered it nonetheless. I could tell once she took her first sip that she didn't like it at all.

Rather than saying anything, I had the bartender make my favorite cocktail on the menu and brought it to her - saying I just wanted her to try out my favorite drink - that way she left happy that 1. she had tried a really delicious drink, and 2. the waiter had paid special attention to her.

Otherwise she may have left just thinking all of our drinks were bad!

Tom Sietsema: Boy, if I were a restaurateur, I'd hire you in a pinch.

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Virginia: On the subject of over-the-top chocolate dessert descriptions, Death By Chocolate is another overwrought cliche. But the worst I ever saw was listed on a menu as Chocolate Suicide. Yuck. Why not Chocolate Drive-By Shooting? Chocolate Inoperable Brain Tumor, perhaps?

Tom Sietsema: LOL

Some of you chatters crack me up.

Funniest line I've heard since Sex In the City went off the air:

Guy breaking up with girl: "But I still want to be friends."

Girl's reply: "Honey, I've got friends that I don't even use!"

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Alexandria, Va.: Tom,

Trying again with this question. Could you recommend some restaurants in Del Ray with excellent dinner carry outs? I tried the Bombay Curry Company and liked it very much.

Thanks very much.

Tom Sietsema: Carry-out ideas, anyone?

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Washington, D.C.: Tom - You answered my question regarding "being taken for a tour of the 2941 Kitchen". I didn't think it would actually be posted, had I known, I would have paid more attention and provided more details. Yes, I agree, tours of kitchen's are a common practice. However, timing and communication is critical. I disagree with you that we "over reacted". We signed our bill as soon as it came to the table, which happened to be while we had taken our first sip of coffee and still drinking our wine that we spent $100 on. We left our belongings (coats) at the table and were not informed we would not be coming back. It was quite awkward as we were taken out of the kitchen, via a different entrance and headed back to our table to get our coats, etc. and see other people reading menus. I dine at high-end restaurants regularly and have pulled my share of work in the industry. I think if taking patrons on a tour of the kitchen is a way to facilitate moving the seating arrangements quickly -it's tacky to not be up front and a little more direct with the patrons. One last thing, we were not hanging out and wasting any time at our table. My lesson learned... don't sign the bill until you are ready to depart. We had signed the bill while we were still enjoying a wine and coffee.

Tom Sietsema: Ah, but you didn't provide the detail last week that you did today! My response would have been different -- and in your favor.

Following last week's chat, I heard from the chef at 2941, Jonathan Krinn. Here's what he wrote:

Dear Tom,

I saw a comment on the chat last Wednesday concerning our kitchen tours after dinner. At the beginning of this year, I hired my service consultant, John Leinhart, as my full time Service Director. Coming from extensive experience at the Inn at Little Washington, he has utilized kitchen tours as a way to help us turn tables (as he did at the Inn), so we may honor the second set of reservation times.

Most people love the tours, but after the chat feedback, we did decide to be a bit more discreet and wait a bit longer before asking our guests to accompany us to the kitchen.

Thank you very much for your support on the subject.

Sincerely,

Jonathan

washingtonpost.com: Review of 2941.

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Washington, D.C.: Now that Majestic Cafe is gone, what Old Town establishment would rank at the top of your list for a casual first date?

Tom Sietsema: How about dinner at Vermilion (though you might want to wait until Tony Chittum takes over in the kitchen) followed by cocktails at PX -- provided all goes well at dinner, of course!

washingtonpost.com: The Weekly Dish on Anthony Chittum.

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Arlington, Va.: Tom -

Do any restaurants exist in DC that have an incredible view of the city while offering good food and a good dining experience? How about a place just for drinks with out of town guests who have never been to our neck of the woods?

I've been to Hotel Washington (not impressed with the food - kind of tasted like room service...), America looks too cliche, and The Lafayette Room looks too stuffy! Help!

lms

Tom Sietsema: Your best bet is probably Agraria in Georgetown's Washington Harbour. Its bar area looks onto a fountain and a swath of the Potomac.

washingtonpost.com: Review of Agraria.

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20004: Props to 701 Restaurant. I dined there on Tuesday with a co-worker who ordered the corn soup. That dish is one of my favorites but it was not to her liking. The waiter spotted her near-full bowl, inquired, and upon being told the dish was too sweet for her tastebuds, he removed it from the menu.

Tom Sietsema: He removed it from the MENU or her check? I bet you mean the latter.

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Reston, Va.: Is there a sushi place in the DC area that does it "Chef's Choice"?

Tom Sietsema: Any good sushi restaurant should be able to honor a request for omakase, or chef's choice. I wrote about three of the best purveyors in the area -- Kaz Sushi Bistro, Makoto and Sushi-Ko -- a year or so ago.

washingtonpost.com: Reviews of Omakase.

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Washington, D.C.: If anyone's looking for something special to do to celebrate Valentine's -- a little early, and without the crowds -- Willow's got a champagne tasting dinner going on February 12. $125 for the champagnes of Janisson & Fils, 5 courses of fabulous food, and it -includes- tax and tip. Plus, the wine maker will be on hand to talk about the bubblies!

Tom Sietsema: Why am I getting email meant for the Advertising Department?

(Seriously, the deal sounds like fun.)

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Hey Tom did you happen to see Todd Thrasher from Restaurant Eve on Playboy.com?

Tom Sietsema: Do his parents know about this?

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Re: Crush on Waiter: I agree, take the plunge and leave your number but honey if he doesn't call you, please don't go wearing diapers and driving all over town thinking of how you'll take care of his girlfriend. Okay, I know not nice but that NASA story has me floored today. I may not be able to enjoy lunch.

Tom Sietsema: What was she THINKING?

Or, as Valerie Cherish said on "Comeback:" I don't need to see that!

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Rabbit owner....and a foodie: Hi Tom,

I've worked rabbit rescue and had pet rabbits for many, many years. My first pet rabbit was a "California Meat" that's the name of the breed. Most pet rabbits can not be eaten, they're too small. At 6lbs, my pet was the runt of a meat litter and not suitable for food. Please let the angry bunny owners in your inbox know that no one is advocating we eat their pet.

Hoppy to defend you!

Tom Sietsema: Uh ..... thank you! (I'm always learning something new here.)

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Annandale, Va.: Love your chats, never miss a Wednesday.

For a birthday: Where can I find a buffet style Sunday brunch? It seems like most places you've recommended are a la carte. The Birthday girl has nixed the a la carte places because, "what if I order an entree I don't like and then I'm stuck with it?" Northern VA or DC preferable, variety a must, and the Ritz-Carlton is a bit pricey.

Thanks in advance!

Tom Sietsema: (Birthday Girl sounds a wee bit needy!)

Indigo Landing in Alexandria is where you should go. For $35 a head, you get a buffet, entree, dessert, one glass of bubbly (or a mimosa) plus dessert. And there's the added attraction of a view of the water.

washingtonpost.com: Review of Indigo Landing.

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Alexandria, Va.: I was curious about what happened with the person from last week's chat "I think I'm getting broken up with tomorrow" who asked for restaurant recommendations. I wonder if they could be persuaded to write in again and let us know what happened - was it really a breakup? If so, did a nice meal help soften the blow?

Tom Sietsema: (This chat is morphing into Date Lab!)

If the chatter in question is tuned in this morning, please give us the scoop. Do you get dumped? Was dinner delicious? Inquiring minds wanna know.

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Alexandria, Va.: Aside from Oyamel, what's the best authentic Mexican in the

DC area? (And when is Oyamel re-opening, anyway?)

Tom Sietsema: For a sit-down "dining" experience, I really like Guajillo in Arlington, which is poised to open a second location -- Casa Oaxaca, in the District -- yet this month.

washingtonpost.com: The Weekly Dish on Casa Oaxaca.

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Washington, D.C.: I wanted to rave about a fantastic evening had at Cafe Atlantico. I tried to get reservations for the Minibar to treat my boyfriend for his birthday, but it was already reserved. Instead Nelson helped me come up with a fantastic evening. He printed out personalized menus for us with a really sweet birthday greeting. The staff was so considerate and made the evening special by wishing my boyfriend a happy birthday when we arrived and providing excellent service throughout the meal. And the meal! We had the chef's tasting menu, and it was sublime. I just wanted to thank them for making the evening so wonderful for us both.

Tom Sietsema: Consider the staff thanked.

washingtonpost.com: Review of Cafe Atlantico.

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Alexandria, Va.: Okay come clean,

I am a fan of BUZZ. However, I have counted 5 articles (the first one is what led me to BUZZ) that mention the lounge in 4 separate sections of the paper. Actually, I just did a search and apparently I missed an article.

Since BUZZ has been open for less than 3 months the only reason I can come up with for all the coverage is that they are constantly plying you and your fellow Posters with cupcakes. You can admit the dark (sweet) secret.

Tom Sietsema: Obviously, Buzz has created some buzz among my colleagues. But trust me, no one over there has sent me any free cupcakes (or anything else, for that matter). My employer paid for both meals I sampled.

washingtonpost.com: Review of Buzz.

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Re: Vermilion: Speaking of Anthony Chittum...will his lovely wife Heather and her lovely desserts also be headed to Old Town?

Tom Sietsema: I don't think that's in the cards, but I'll ask and report back next week, OK?

It's chow time, kids. Gotta dash. Thanks for another entertaining hour. And see you next week!

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